Fenerbahce fly into Quarter-Finals; resurgent ASVEL continue rescue mission

MUNICH (Germany) - Defending champions Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding became the first club to make the post-season after beating fellow high-flyers Casademont Zaragoza to punch a ticket to the Quarter-Finals.

Elsewhere on Wednesday night, LDLC ASVEL Feminin continued their season rescue mission with a fine win at Valencia, while there was also joy for another French club in Villeneuve d'Ascq LM who stunned Cukurova Basketbol Mersin.

Things are also now looking up for Virtus Segafredo Bologna as they took a nail-biting win at Perfumerias Avenida in the race for a top four spot in Group B.

McBride magic takes Fenerbahce to the last eight

There are plenty of Regular Season games still to be played, but Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding are already looking forward to the Quarter-Finals after beating Casademont Zaragoza 71-65 in the Game of the Week. Now holding an impressive 9-1 record, they won despite playcaller Valerie Garnier absent due to a family bereavement. 

The victory was built around a scorching effort from Kayla McBride, with the guard putting on a first-half show that saw her accumulate 20 points and eventually increase her tally to 23, as well as adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists. With Emma Meesseman producing 16 points, there was also a nice came from Turkish ballers Alperi Onar with 15 points and Sevgi Uzun who amassed 10 points and 7 assists. 

ASVEL continue rescuing their season

A week after toppling holders Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding, the previously struggling LDLC ASVEL Feminin can now claim the scalp of Valencia Basket Club after an excellent 91-70 triumph in Spain. Already in front after the opening 10 minutes and on the front foot, the visitors effectively wrapped up victory with a stunning 30-13 second period. 

Their first road win of the season was founded on a good team effort with five players returning double-digits in points, led by 16 points from Julie Allemand. There was also another nice stat line from Gabby Williams who harvested 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.

Cukurova cut down on home soil by Villeneuve

The renaissance of French side Villeneuve d'Ascq LM continued as they claimed a terrific 70-54 road win at Cukurova Basketbol Mersin to boost their hopes of progressing from Group B. Some excellent ball pressure was important as it led to the hosts turning it over 22 times.

Kennedy Burke had 6 steals which set the tone and that went alongside 19 points. There was also a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards for Janelle Salaun. The loss was tough on Marina Mabrey who dropped 26 points in defeat.

Virtus slip past Avenida for surprise road win

There was joy for Virtus Segafredo Bologna who pulled out a hard-fought 62-58 success in Salamanca against Perfumerias Avenida. They came from behind and put on an outstanding last 25-15 quarter to turn the game on its head and pull out a result that will further boost their hopes of a top four finish.

The Italian side were highly effective in the paint and shot almost 63 percent from two-point range, with Cecilia Zanalasini standing out. She made some big shots and had 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in the contest.

DVTK edge out Schio to close-in on Quarter-Finals

There was success for the now 8-2 DVTK HUN-Therm who moved a step closer to making the post-season for the first time after outlasting Beretta Famila Schio 73-69 in a tense encounter in Miskolc. The home side looked to be in control but had to fend off a much improved second half showing from the Italian visitors.

Milica Jovanovic stood out with 17 points for DVTK, while the fact that they took such great care of the ball and only committed 10 turnovers was also hugely important. Schio fall to 6-4 in Group A after the defeat.

Highs

Efficiency: 27– Kayla McBride (Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding), Kennedy Burke (Villeneuve d'Ascq), Morgan Green (ACS Sepsi-SIC)
Points: 26 – Marina Mabrey (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin)
Rebounds: 12 – Ezi Magbegor (ZVVZ USK Praha)
Assists: 11 –  Weronika Gajda (KGHM BC Polkowice)
Steals: 6 –  Kennedy Burke (Villeneuve d'Ascq) 
Blocks: 3 – Elizabeth Williams (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin), Dragana Stankovic (KGHM BC Polkowice)

Wednesday, December 20

Group A
Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding 71-65 Casademont Zaragoza
ACS Sepsi-SIC 88-58 Polski Cukier AZS UMCS Lublin
DVTK HUN-Therm 73-69  Beretta Famila Schio
Valencia Basket Club 71-90 LDLC ASVEL Feminin

Group B
Cukurova Basketbol Mersin 54-70 Villeneuve d'Ascq
KGHM BC Polkowice 88-72 Basket Landes
ZVVZ USK Praha 75-71 Serco UNI Gyor
Perfumerias Avenida 58-62 Virtus Segafredo Bologna

FIBA